Workplace breastfeeding support boosts parents’ well-being and productivity
A mother who is breastfeeding her baby
Parents who receive support to breastfeed at their workplaces say the practice benefits their children, themselves, and the institutions they work for, as it gives them peace of mind. Employers are therefore encouraged to establish breastfeeding rooms at workplaces.
Statistics show that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life declined from 87.3% in 2015 to 80.9% in 2020. Parents are encouraged to continue breastfeeding their children, including after returning to work, in line with this year’s theme: “Ensuring Parents Are Supported to Breastfeed in Their Workplaces.”
Juliana Lindsey, UNICEF Representative in Rwanda, says no parent should have to choose between contributing to the country’s economy and breastfeeding their child, as it is possible to do both.
She calls on all public and private institutions to make every effort to establish dedicated spaces where parents can breastfeed or express breast milk at work.
“This does not require a large space; it is entirely achievable. A parent can work without disruption while the child receives breast milk containing essential nutrients for healthy growth,” she said.
A mother’s experience highlights the benefits of workplace breastfeeding support
In an interview with The Bridge Magazine (www.thebridge.rw), Uwimana Anna, headteacher of Rwimbogo Primary and Nursery School, shared her experience of exclusively breastfeeding her child for six months and explained the benefits of breastfeeding during this critical period.
“We welcomed the workplace breastfeeding programme because, as parents, we understand its importance. When I gave birth to my first child in 2022, I loved my baby deeply. When my three-month maternity leave ended and I had to return to work, I was afraid of leaving my three-month-old baby behind. I was uncomfortable being away from my child during those early months and worried about the care the baby would receive from other people.
“On my first day back at work, I went to school, but honestly, I could not work effectively because I was anxious. At the time, I was a teacher. Being at school teaching other children while my own baby was at home made me uncomfortable. I spent much of my time calling home to check on the baby.
“On the second day, I decided to take my child to work with me. I had not even formally requested permission, but fortunately, my supervisor did not object. There was a room away from the classrooms, so I brought in a mattress and basic supplies, as well as a young woman to help care for the baby.
“I would go to class to teach and then hurry to breastfeed my child during breaks before returning to my lessons. I felt happy and at peace. I also felt more connected to my pupils and the people around me.
“This arrangement enabled my child to complete six months of exclusive breastfeeding without any other food, grow well, and fall ill less frequently. At the same time, I remained productive at work. When a child becomes sick, a parent may have to take time off work. Having my baby nearby made me feel more secure in my job.”
Anna concluded by saying that she would encourage school administrators to establish breastfeeding rooms, noting that employers themselves stand to benefit from such initiatives. At the school she leads, she plans to accelerate the implementation of the programme after witnessing its positive impact firsthand.
Workplace breastfeeding rooms improve employees’ well-being
Some workplaces have already established breastfeeding rooms. Banamwana Yvette, an employee of the City of Kigali, where such a facility is available, says the room provides a practical solution for breastfeeding parents.
“There are many benefits to breastfeeding at work. After three months, I returned to work with my child. I breastfed the baby properly, and the child rarely fell ill. Previously, I was constantly going to the hospital with my child, but that changed, and my productivity improved,” she said.
Machara Faustin, who works at the National Child Development Agency and is responsible for maternal and child nutrition, also emphasises the importance of breastfeeding rooms in supporting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life.
He explains that breast milk helps protect children against various illnesses.
“Breastfeeding is the most effective vaccine because breast milk helps protect children against many diseases, particularly diarrhoea, pneumonia, and respiratory infections. Children who are exclusively breastfed during their first six months face a much lower risk of developing these illnesses,” he said.
Government calls on employers to support breastfeeding parents
Dr Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, says Rwanda is fortunate that breastfeeding is deeply rooted in its culture.
She explains that nutrition and health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, without introducing other foods or drinks, except when medically indicated. From six months onwards, complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues until the child is at least two years old.
According to the minister, this practice helps protect children against common illnesses, malnutrition, and stunted growth. She emphasised that breast milk provides a unique combination of nutrients and protective benefits for a child’s development.
She therefore urges employers to establish breastfeeding spaces, noting that modern economic realities often require both parents to work to support their families.
“Parents who breastfeed and work outside the home often spend between six and eight hours away from home. For a child to receive sufficient breast milk, they may need to breastfeed two to four times during those hours, depending on their needs,” she said.
Rwanda joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign that advocates for greater support for breastfeeding, including the establishment of dedicated breastfeeding rooms in workplaces.
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